Emergency preparedness policies and procedures at our nation’s hospitals have been seriously tried and tested this year. The destruction wrought in the paths of Hurricane’s Harvey, Irma, Maria, and Nate is deeply disturbing to all of us. In the face of
these extreme weather threats, it is critical that emergency needs and preparedness procedures across all medical facilities be fully understood.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security lists health care as one of 16 critical infrastructure sectors. It is vital we continue to proactively study the heath care sector and harden our emergency preparedness procedures. Too many times we have seen hospitals
or long term care facilities lose power, flood, or shutdown during worse-case scenario events resulting in tragic loss of life.

The Worst-Case Scenario Hospital Preparedness Act (H.R. 4572), simply directs the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to engage with the National Academy of Medicine to conduct a comprehensive study into the future threats impacting
emergency preparedness procedures for hospitals, long term care facilities, and other health care facilities. The study will provide Congress with new recommendations and expert analysis on:

– providing updated guidelines for alternative power systems and access to clean water.

For any questions or to become a cosponsor, please contact Kevin Rambosk (kevin.rambosk@mail.house.gov) in Rep. Dingell’s office at 5-4071 or Steve Koncar (steve.koncar@mail.house.gov) in Rep. Webster’s office at 5-1002. Thank you for your consideration
on this important issue.